Methods and apparatus for shape control

ABSTRACT

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controller controls the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shape controller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions. The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set of regions. The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shape controller. For example, the shape controller may comprise paper and the more flexible regions may comprise creases in the paper. Or, for example, the more flexible regions may comprise notches or indentations. In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape display changes shape as it inflates, with additional bumps forming as pressure in the display increases.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of thefiling date of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/814,107, filed Apr.19, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

This invention relates generally to shape control, including controllingshape of an inflatable object.

SUMMARY

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controllercontrols the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shapecontroller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions.The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set ofregions. The first set of regions may have a first range of magnitudesof flexural strength and the second set of regions may have a secondrange of magnitudes of flexural strength, such that the first and secondranges do not overlap and each magnitude in the first range is greaterthan each magnitude in the second range.

The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of thebladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladderbends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shapecontroller—i.e., adjacent to the locations of the second set of regions.The bending and the inflation are actuated by internal fluidic pressure(e.g., air pressure or liquid pressure) pressing against a wall or wallsof the bladder.

In some implementations, the shape controller comprises paper and themore flexible regions comprise creases in the paper.

In some implementations, the more flexible regions comprise notches orindentations. For example, the shape controller may comprise wood orplastic, and the notches or indentations may be cut or engraved by alaser cutter.

In some implementations, the less flexible regions of the shapecontroller comprise chambers filled with fluid (e.g., filled with air orliquid). These chambers may be less compressible than the more flexibleregions of the shape controller. When the main bladder of the apparatusinflates, the overall shape of the main bladder may bend at locationsbetween the fluid-filled chambers of the shape controller.

In some implementations, the less flexible regions of the shapecontroller may comprise inflatable chambers filled with fluid (e.g.,filled with air or liquid).

If the shape controller includes fluid-filled chambers, then the moreflexible portion of the shape controller: (a) may comprise a materialseparate from the wall in which the shape controller is embedded, or (b)may instead comprise subregions of the wall, each respective subregionbeing spatially between a pair of the chambers.

The location of the more flexible regions of the shape controller maydetermine the location of bends in the overall shape of an inflatedbladder. Also, the density (or spatial frequency) of the more flexibleregions of the shape controller may determine the smoothness of thecurve of an inflated bladder.

In illustrative implementations of this invention: (a) the shapecontroller and bladder are each elongated and aligned with each other;and (b) each respective flexible region in the shape controller iselongated and has an orientation along its respective length. Forexample, a crease or notch in the shape controller may be in the overallshape of a line (when described in only one dimension), and have anorientation along the line. In these illustrative implementations, theflexible regions may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the shape controller, which may cause the bladder, when it inflates,to morph into the shape of a planar spiral. Alternatively, the flexibleregions may be oriented at an angle that is not perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the shape controller, which may cause the bladder,when it inflates, to morph into the shape of a helix.

In some implementations, a shape controller may contain a jammablematerial, such as granular particles, that becomes rigid whencompressed. One or more pumps and valves may be used to adjust pressureinside the shape controller to reversibly jam and unjam the jammablematerial. When jammed, the shape control is rigid. When unjammed, theshape controller is flexible.

In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape displaychanges shape as it inflates, with the number of bumps that are formedincreasing as pressure in the display increases.

For example, the surface may comprise a “sandwich” of three elasticlayers. The middle layer of the “sandwich” may be stiffer than the innerand outer layers of the “sandwich”. For example, the middle layer may bestiffer due to having a larger Young's modulus than the inner and outerlayers, or due to being thicker than the inner and outer layers, or dueto otherwise having a different stress-stain curve than the inner andouter layers.

As the display inflates, it may go through different stages ofinflation. During an initial stage of inflation of the multi-state shapedisplay, the inflation may be relatively isotropic (uniform in alldirections). During a later stage of the inflation, the inflation may beanisotropic (not uniform in all directions). For example, during a laterstage of inflation, additional bumps may form on the surface of thedisplay.

Holes may be cut in the middle, stiffer layer. As pressure in thedisplay increases, the inner and outer layers may undergo greater strainthan the middle layer, causing additional bumps to form on the surfaceof the multi-state shape display. These additional bumps form atlocations of the surface where the holes in the middle, stiffer layerexist. Different shaped holed (e.g., circular, triangular orcross-shaped) cause different shaped bumps.

Alternatively, the middle layer may comprise a structure with gaps in it(e.g., a woven structure with gaps in it, or a set of parallel stripswith gaps between them). In this case, the additional bumps may form atthe locations of the gaps in the middle layer.

Alternatively, the surface of a multi-state shape display may comprisemore than three layers, at least some of which have differentstiffnesses. For example, the surface may comprise a “sandwich” of fourelastic layers. A first central layer of the “sandwich” may be stifferthan a second central layer of the “sandwich”, and both central layersmay be stiffer than the inner and outer layers of the “sandwich”. Holesin the second central layer may be surrounded by holes in the firstcentral layer (when viewed from a perspective normal to the centrallayers). This four-layer “sandwich” can produce at least three levels ofbumps. For example, during an initial stage of inflation of themulti-state inflatable device, the overall shape of the display may haveonly a single bump. In a later stage of inflation, a second level ofbumps may form on the initial single bump. During an even later stage ofinflation, a third level of bumps may form on the second level of bumps.

The multi-state inflatable display may be inflated by increasing thepressure of a fluid (e.g., air or liquid) contained in a bladder of thedisplay.

An elastic wall of a bladder may comprise an elastomer. A bladder maycontain a fluid (e.g., air or liquid). One or more pumps, one or morevalves, and tubing connecting the bladder, pumps and valves, may be usedto control the pressure within a bladder, and thus to control theinflation or deflation state of the bladder. One or more computerprocessors may be used to control the pumps and valves. Inimplementations with multiple bladders, pressure in each bladder may beseparately controlled. Or, alternatively, the pressure in a group ofbladders may be commonly controlled.

In some implementations of this invention, one or more processorscontrol inflation and deflation of multiple bladders, in order todynamically and programmatically alter the shape of a surface over time.

In some implementations of this invention, sensors detect human input tothe shape display (e.g., a human touching the display surface, hoveringnear the display surface, or directly manipulating the shape of thesurface) and detect shape output of the display (e.g., changes tosurface morphology due to inflation or deflation of a bladder). Forexample, the sensors may be capacitive and may be embedded in, ormounted or housed adjacent to a shape controller, a bladder wall, or asurface of the shape display.

The description of the present invention in the Summary and Abstractsections hereof is just a summary. It is intended only to give a generalintroduction to some illustrative implementations of this invention. Itdoes not describe all of the details of this invention. This inventionmay be implemented in many other ways. Likewise, the description of thisinvention in the Field of the Technology section is not limiting;instead it identifies, in a general, non-exclusive manner, a field oftechnology to which exemplary implementations of this inventiongenerally relate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show views of an elongated bladder. FIG. 1A is aperspective view. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view, with thecross-section being along a plane that is normal to the longitudinalaxis of the bladder. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view, with thecross-section being along a plane that is parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the bladder.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an elongated bladder. In FIG.2A, the bladder is not inflated. In FIG. 2B, the bladder is inflated.

FIG. 3 shows a system comprising a bladder and apparatus for inflatingand deflating the bladder.

FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A each show a different type of device forcontrolling the shape of a bladder when the bladder inflates (a “shapecontroller”).

FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B and 7B each show a shape controller embedded within awall of a bladder.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the shape controller comprises a paper layer withcreases in it.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape controller comprises a solid material withindentations engraved in it.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shape controller comprises a solid material withsome regions that are thicker than other regions.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the shape controller comprises multiple components,with some components being stiffer than another component.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F together illustrate how the angle of anotch in the surface of a shape controller can determine the angle ofbending of the bladder, when the bladder is inflated.

FIG. 8A shows a shape controller with a narrow angle notch in it. FIG.8B shows this shape controller embedded within a wall of a bladder. FIG.8C shows this bladder in an inflated state.

FIG. 8D shows a shape controller with a wide angle notch in it. FIG. 8Eshows this shape controller embedded within a wall of a bladder. FIG. 8Fshows this bladder in an inflated state.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D together illustrate how the locations ofcreases in a shape controller can determine where the bladder bends,when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 9A, the creases are located at four positions near an end of theshape controller. In FIG. 9B, an inflated bladder bends at these fourpositions.

In FIG. 9C, the creases are located at four other positions near thecenter of the shape controller. In FIG. 9D, an inflated bladder bends atthese four other positions.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D together illustrate how the density (orspatial frequency) of creases in a shape controller can determine wherethe smoothness of curvature a bladder, when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 10A, four creases are located at four positions on a shapecontroller. In FIG. 10B, an inflated bladder bends at these fourpositions.

In FIG. 10C, eight creases are located at eight positions on a shapecontroller. In FIG. 10D, an inflated bladder bends at these eightpositions, resulting in a smoother curve than the curve formed by onlyfour creases.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D together illustrate how the angle ofcreases in a shape controller can determine whether the bladder forms aplanar spiral or a helix, when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 11A, creases are oriented normal to the longitudinal axis of theshape controller. In FIG. 11B, these creases cause a bladder to form aplanar spiral, when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 11C, creases are oriented at an angle, relative to thelongitudinal axis of the shape controller, which is not equal to 90degrees. In FIG. 11D, these creases cause a bladder to form a helix,when the bladder is inflated.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show views of an elongated bladder with jammable orinflatable shape controllers embedded in a wall of the bladder. FIG. 12Ais a cross-sectional view, with the cross-section being along a planethat is normal to the longitudinal axis of the bladder. FIG. 12B is across-sectional view, with the cross-section being along a plane that isparallel to the longitudinal axis of the bladder.

FIG. 13 shows a system comprising both (a) a bladder with shapecontrollers embedded in a wall of the bladder; and (b) apparatus forinflating and deflating the bladder and the shape controllers.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C together show how jammable shape controllers cancontrol the shape of a bladder, when the bladder is inflated.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C each show a bladder with jammable shapecontrollers embedded in a wall of the bladder. In FIG. 14A, the bladderis not inflated. In FIG. 14B, the bladder is inflated and three shapecontrollers are jammed. In FIG. 14C, the bladder is inflated and twoshape controllers are jammed.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C each show a bladder in which a shape controllerincludes a vessel filled with an addressable electrorheological fluid.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a bladder with two sets of electrodes. In FIG.15A, the bladder is deflated. In FIG. 15B, the bladder is inflated.

FIG. 15C shows a bladder with four sets of electrodes, where the bladderis inflated.

FIG. 16A shows a shape controller which includes capacitive sensors.FIG. 16B shows this shape controller, embedded in a wall of a bladder.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a circular hole in it.FIG. 17A shows an exploded view of three layers in the surface. FIG. 17Bshows a top view of the surface. FIG. 17C shows a system for inflatingand deflating the surface. FIG. 17D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a triangular hole in it.FIG. 18A shows an exploded view of three layers in the surface. FIG. 18Bshows a top view of the surface. FIG. 18C shows a system for inflatingand deflating the surface. FIG. 18D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a cross-shaped hole init. FIG. 19A shows an exploded view of three layers in the surface. FIG.19B shows a top view of the surface. FIG. 19C shows a system forinflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 19D shows the surface in afully inflated state, with two layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a pattern of fourcircular holes in it. FIG. 20A shows an exploded view of three layers inthe surface. FIG. 20B shows a top view of the surface. FIG. 20C shows asystem for inflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 20D shows thesurface in a fully inflated state, with two layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a pattern of sixtriangular holes in it. FIG. 21A shows an exploded view of three layersin the surface. FIG. 21B shows a top view of the surface. FIG. 21C showsa system for inflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 21D shows thesurface in a fully inflated state, with two layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers, in which the middle layer has a pattern of fourcross-shaped holes in it. FIG. 22A shows an exploded view of threelayers in the surface. FIG. 22B shows a top view of the surface. FIG.22C shows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 22Dshows the surface in a fully inflated state, with two layers ofprotuberances.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers, in which a central layer has a small circular hole init, and another central layer has a larger circular hole in it. FIG. 23Ashows an exploded view of four layers in the surface. FIG. 23B shows atop view of the surface. FIG. 23C shows a system for inflating anddeflating the surface. FIG. 23D shows the surface in a more (but notfully) inflated state, with two levels of protuberances. FIG. 23E showsthe surface in a fully inflated state, with three layers ofprotuberances.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers, in which a central layer has a small triangular hole init, and another central layer has a larger triangular hole in it. FIG.24A shows an exploded view of four layers in the surface. FIG. 24B showsa top view of the surface. FIG. 24C shows a system for inflating anddeflating the surface. FIG. 24D shows the surface in a more (but notfully) inflated state, with two levels of protuberances. FIG. 24E showsthe surface in a fully inflated state, with three layers ofprotuberances.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers, in which a central layer has a pattern of four smallcircular holes in it, and another central layer has a pattern of fourlarger circular holes in it. FIG. 25A shows an exploded view of fourlayers in the surface. FIG. 25B shows a top view of the surface. FIG.25C shows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 25Dshows the surface in a more (but not fully) inflated state, with twolevels of protuberances. FIG. 25E shows the surface in a fully inflatedstate, with three layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers, in which a central layer has a pattern of four circularholes in it, and another central layer has a pattern of four triangularholes in it. FIG. 26A shows an exploded view of four layers in thesurface. FIG. 26B shows a top view of the surface. FIG. 26C shows asystem for inflating and deflating the surface. FIG. 26D shows thesurface in a more (but not fully) inflated state, with two levels ofprotuberances. FIG. 26E shows the surface in a fully inflated state,with three layers of protuberances.

FIGS. 27, 28A, 28B, 29A, 29B and 29C show examples of an addressable,dynamic shape display.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the shape display.

FIG. 28A shows a shape display with a set of embedded bladders forcontrolling the shape of a surface of the display.

FIG. 28B shows a shape display with a different set of embedded bladdersfor controlling the shape of a surface of the display.

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C show examples of ways in which bladders in adisplay can be controlled. In FIG. 29A, each bladder is separatelycontrolled. In FIG. 29B, a set of three bladders shares a commoncontrol. In FIG. 29C, some bladders are controlled via horizontalcontrol lines, and other bladders are controlled via vertical controllines.

FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and 30D show an addressable, dynamic shapedisplay, displaying different shapes. In FIG. 30A, the display surfacehas multiple protuberances. In FIG. 30B, the display surface is a smoothcurve. In FIG. 30C, the display surface is a sinusoidal in shape. InFIG. 30D, the display surface has a “gnarly” protuberance. In FIG. 30E,the display surface is flat.

The above Figures show some illustrative implementations of thisinvention, or provide information that relates to those implementations.However, this invention may be implemented in many other ways. The aboveFigures do not show all of the details of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a soft compositematerial undergoes controlled changes in shape. The shape output iscomputationally controllable through fluidic pressure and pre-definedstructure. The material undergoes isotropic (uniform in allorientations) or anisotropic (directionally dependent) deformation.Optionally, the material is capable of input sensing and active shapeoutput

Shape change, both at the macro and micro level, can be used to conveyinformation to users as a type of display. Either shape states or changein shape state may convey information. For example, texture (or changein texture) can provide a haptic channel for representing orcommunicating information. A soft composite material can displaydynamically controllable shape patterns that can vary in density,frequency and sequence.

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a soft compositematerial undergoes isotropic and anisotropic deformation in response tofluidic pressure (e.g., air pressure or liquid pressure). The compositematerial may comprise multiple layers, including two or more structurallayers and (optionally) a sensing layer and an add-on layer.

A structural layer (Structural Layer 1) may comprise an elastomericpolymer (or elastomer) to enable isotropic shape deformation. Forexample, the elastomer may comprise rubber. Structural Layer 1 may havebladders and fluidic channels embedded within it.

An additional structural layer (Structural Layer II) may include a rangeof materials with different elasticity to create constrained anisotropicdeformation in response to fluidic pressure. For example, StructuralLayer II may have an origami structure, a woven structure, a creasepattern, fluid-filled bladders or a cutout pattern of holes.

Optionally, conductive materials, either solid or liquid, such asconductive thread and liquid metal, are composited as a Sensing Layer tosense input or output. For example, the conductive material may compriseliquid metal, conductive thread, conductive fabric, conductive ink,metal sheet or metal wire. Also, for example, a pattern of conductivematerial may be laid out on a substrate, positioned within channels, orprinted.

Optionally, an add-on layer can be composited to control materialproperties other than active shape output. For example: (a) jammingparticles can control surface stiffness to give haptic affordances orlock shapes in a certain state; and (b) thermochromic liquid crystalscan be injected into air channels of elastomer to change the color ofsurfaces.

Each layer of the soft composite may include one or more components withtheir own structures. These structures can enhance or modify thedeformations caused by pressure-actuated inflation. For example, copypaper itself has relatively low elasticity, however, origami structureenables increased flexibility in a specific directions.

In exemplary implementations of this invention, change in curvature,volume and texture of a composite material provide a range ofdeformation behaviors and thus enable or enhance shape changinginterfaces on both the macro and micro level. Controlled compression andelongation generate curvatures at given points of a surface. Forexample, crease patterns on a paper layer or the location of bladderscan define the position of the deformation. Air pressure can determinethe degree of curvature.

In some implementations, the composite material includes three layers: asilicon layer with embedded bladders connected with channels, a paperlayer with crease patterns, and a thin silicon layer at the bottom tobond and protect the paper layer. Surface curvature may be controlled bythe compression of bladders with low elasticity, or the elongation ofairbags with high elasticity.

In some implementations, a paper composite with various crease patternsis used to control bending behavior. When inflated, the inner bladdersfunction as actuators to generate elongation and force the surface tobend towards the opposite direction.

In some implementations, the composite material is fabricated asfollows: A pre-mixture of silicon (EcoFlex® 00-30) is poured into a 3Dprinted mold designed to form a shape with air channels. Creased paperis soaked into the same silicon mixture. Silicon and paper layer arepeeled off molds separately once thermally cured. Two layers are thenbonded with uncured silicon.

In some implementations of this invention, dynamic control of thecurvature is determined by two factors: fluidic pressure and creasepattern. First, fluidic pressure can control the degree of curvature.For example, pumping additional air into a bladder can cause a singlebend to turn into a curl with continuous bending. Second, the papercrease patterns may affect the deformation. For example, three factorsof crease patterns may be varied: density, location and angle. Densityof creases affects the sharpness of bending. Low density creases enablesharper bends. By varying the location of crease, bending location onthe surface can be controlled. Laying out the crease lines diagonallygenerates helical shapes instead of curling in a single plane.

For example, specific crease patterns and control of fluidic pressure inbladders can, among other things: (a) make a flat circular shape morphinto different spatial structures with three stands (“legs”), or (b)cause a progressive transformation from a line to a square.

Alternatively, instead of creases in paper, notches cut in thin piecesof wood may be used to produce similar bending and curling behaviors.

In some implementations of this invention, compression of nonelasticbladders is used to help control shape. For example, a compositematerial may include two layers: a plain paper layer and plastic airbagswith low elasticity. The airbags may be fabricated using plastic weldingand glued with the paper layer. While inflated, a nonelastic airbag maybehave like a biceps, and compress as the surface bends. In this case,the inflation of nonelastic airbags may occur on the side towards whichthe surface bends.

In some implementations of this invention, origami structures arecomposited with elastomers. For example, a hollow accordion-likestructure, with origami folded surfaces on its sides, can inflate ordeflate in response to changes in fluidic pressure inside the structure.

For example, an origami folded surface that forms a side of such ahollow structure may be coated on both side with a soft silicon, asfollows: The origami can be spin coated and sealed with silicon(EcoFlex® 00-30). In this case silicon serves three functions: sealingthe origami structure for air actuation, coating the paper surface forenhancing material durability, and constraining elasticity of origamistructure within a specific range.

For example, volume change of the hollow structure (with silicon-coatedorigami walls) can be actuated by air transported into the hollow space.Direct manipulation can also deform the shape.

A hollow structure with composite origami walls may undergo a variety ofvolume changing behavior, including linear elongation, angular expansionand rotatory elongation. For example, an accordion structure folded fromV-pleats enables linear elongation. Angular expansion can be achieved byusing the same pleating pattern and bonding one side of the folds withsilicon. Rotatory elongation can be achieved with cylindrical structuresfolded with triangular pleats.

In some implementations of this invention, textures are formed on softsurfaces by fabricating bladders inside elastomer or compositing fabricwith cut patterns. Conductive threads, such as plated silver typethreads, can be embedded in the composite material for human touch andgesture sensing.

For example, embedded bladders may be arranged in columns, and eachcolumn of bladders can be inflated separately. The density, frequencyand sequence of texture can be varied by pumping and vacuuming fluid inseparate columns at different times. The combination of the threefactors is capable of communicating different types of information, suchas directional signals and speed. Also, by compositing a second siliconlayer with bigger bladders, deformation on both macro and micro levelcan be achieved, to create texture patterns on a deformable, 3D surface.

Another approach to generate texture on soft surfaces is to combine (1)an elastic material (e.g., an elastic fabric such as Spandex®) with cutpatterns in it, and (2) a less elastic material, such as silicon. Thiscan create multi-state deformation, where a soft surface has only oneprotuberance at one internal pressure, but multiple protuberances at ahigher internal pressure.

In some implementations of this invention, (a) electrodes embedded in acomposite material sense large-scale changes in shape, or (b) fluidconductors embedded in a composite material sense local surfacedeformation with high sensitivities. The cause of shape deformation canbe internal fluidic pressure or human gestures.

Flexible circuitry (e.g., cut out of copper tape or printed by an inkjetprinter with conductive ink) can be included as a sensing layer in thesoft composite material. For example, electrode patterns can sensedirect touch and near range proximity by measuring the capacitancebetween human fingers and the electrode network. A coating of siliconlayer on top of the sensing pads enables insulation. Multilayercircuitry can be composited between silicon layers. In some cases, rigidelectrical components, such as surface mounted LEDs, are embedded withinsoft elastic walls.

In an illustrative implementation, in which origami is used as asupporting and constraining structure, electrodes made from copper tapecan be composited with paper folds to sense structural deformations.These deformations can be caused by either pressure actuation or directmanipulation. The separation distance between folds correlates to thecapacitance between the electrodes. For a linear accordion, multiple(e.g., four) electrode pairs on two sides of the structure can besufficient to measure the height of each side. Other electrodeplacements can be extended to sense additional geometrical foldingstructures. For example, some electrode pairs can sense changes inheight, others can sense side bending, and others can sense diagonalbending.

In some implementations, capacitive sensor measurements with theseelectrodes are taken by stimulating one electrode with a square wave andthen reading the induced voltage on the adjacent electrodes. Readingsare taken at time T after the rising and falling edges of the squarewave, and the difference between these measurements is averaged for 23cycles. Because the time constant of an RC circuit is dependent on C(capacitance), as C changes, the voltage at time T changes, allowing forrelative changes in capacitance to be measured. Sensor data for eachside is averaged and then passed through a windowed time average inorder to eliminate noise. The value for each side is thenunity-normalized to determine the relative height of each side.

In some implementations, conductive liquid metal (e.g., eGaIn) isinjected into inner channels of elastomer to form an elastic sensingsurface. The resistance of liquid metal changes in response to thedeformation of the channels (e.g., deformation due to inflation frompressure within a bladder, or due to direct manipulation by a humanuser).

In some implementations, embedded sensors can detect human input (e.g.,gestures on the surface, gestures hovering over the surface, or gesturesthat deform the surface) or shape output (e.g., shape changes due tochanges in internal pressure). Advantageously, a soft interface canundergo a wide variety of manipulations by a human to deform itssurface, such as pushing, stretching, bending, embracing, stroking andsqueezing.

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a fluidic (e.g.,pneumatic) control system actuates the soft composite material. Air canbe either injected into air channels inside elastomer, or introducedinto a cavity surrounded by the composite material. In some cases, thecontrol system can operate in three modes to control the flow of fluid(e.g., air or liquid) in and out of the soft composite material: supply,exhaust, and close. The supply and exhaust are modes to inflate/deflatea bladder. The close mode stops the fluid flow in or out of the cavityin the composite.

For example, a fluidic control system may comprise two 3-port solenoidvalves, an air compressor, and a vacuum pump for a single air bag. Forexample, a large-sized stationary air compressor and a vacuum pump maybe used for stationary applications. Or, for example, a miniaturefluidic control system may be used for mobile applications. Such aminiature system may employ small solenoid valves, a pump used for bothsupply and vacuum, and a lithium polymer battery (3.7V, 110 mAh).

This invention has many practical applications. Here are fournon-limiting examples:

First, this invention may be implemented as a shape changing mobilephone. The shape changing mobile phone has a flexible body that enablesmultiple bending states, to give users dynamic affordances for varioususe cases. The surface can animate between flat and bending state when acall comes in. It can morph from a bar shape to a curved phone shape ifa user answers the phone call. When placed over the user's arm, it canturn into a wearable wristband.

Second, this invention may be implemented as a transformable tabletcase. Larger bladders can be inflated as grippers for a car racing gamecontroller, and columns of smaller bladders on top can be inflatedsequentially. The tablet can demonstrate the hybrid of macro and microlevel shape change, based on the isotropic deformation behaviorexhibited by homogeneous elastomer. A flexible texture layer can bemolded on top of the bigger bladders. Multi-stage molding and castingmay be used to fabricate the tablet case. To keep the tablet case thinand light, two flat Mylar pieces may be embedded during the castingprocess, to create two flat yet inflatable bladders below finer texturebubbles.

Third, this invention may be implemented as a shape-shifting lamp. Thislamp can undergo a large deformation from a straight strip shape to arounded bulb shape. A human user can pull the strip, similar to pullingthe chain of a conventional lamp. The strip is the illuminating lightitself and starts to curl and light up. Silicon with embedded liquidmetal is fabricated as pulling sensor, which is attached to the top ofthe lamp strip. Surface mounted LEDs are soldered on top of flexiblecopper strips. The copper strips are bonded with a paper substrate withangular cut patterns. The two layers, paper layer and air channel layer,are bonded together with half cured silicon.

In some implementations of this invention, a shape display interface canbe dynamically and programmatically controlled in real time.

In some implementations, memory alloy or heat reactive polymers areembedded, and two actuation sources (fluidic pressure and heatrespectively), are used for flexible control of shape changing states.

In some implementations, chemical reactions that generate gas sourceseliminate or reduce the need for hardware for fluidic (e.g., pneumatic)control systems.

In some implementations, topological change, including creating holes onsurfaces, can give interesting affordances for interaction. Further,locomotion can be achieved with programmable constraints in the materialstructure. Shape locking may be implemented with solenoid switches.Alternatively, stiffness changing materials, such as jamming particles,can be used to lock shapes or introduce dynamic constraints.

Elastic polymer in the composite materials can be 3D printed. Forexample, 3D printing can facilitate construction of complex airchannels.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show views of an elongated bladder. FIG. 1A is aperspective view. FIG. 1B is a “front” cross-sectional view, with thecross-section being along a plane that is normal to the longitudinalaxis of the bladder. FIG. 1C is a “side” cross-sectional view, with thecross-section being along a plane that is parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the bladder.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, an elongated bladder 100comprises an elastic wall 103 which encloses a cavity 105. The cavity105 contains a fluid, such as air or a liquid. A device for controllingthe shape of the bladder when the bladder inflates (a “shapecontroller”) 101 is embedded in the elastic wall 103. For example, thewall 103 may comprise an elastomer. The pressure of the fluid in thecavity 105 may be controlled through a port 107 that connects toapparatus for inflating or deflating the bladder. For example, port 107may comprise a tube that penetrates the wall 103 of the cavity.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an elongated bladder. In FIG.2A, the bladder 201 is not inflated. In FIG. 2B, the bladder 201 isinflated. A port 203 is used to control pressure within the bladder 201,and thus to control inflation and deflation of the bladder 201.

FIG. 3 shows a system comprising a bladder 301 and apparatus forinflating and deflating the bladder. In the example shown in FIG. 3, oneor more computer processors 303 control the operation of an aircompressor 305, pump 307 and valves 309, 311, in order to controlpressure of fluid within the bladder, and thus to control the inflationor deflation of the bladder 301. Optionally, the pump 307 may include alow pressure chamber. The low pressure in that chamber may be created byoperation of the pump over a period of time. By opening a valve to thelow-pressure chamber, pressure in the bladder 301 may be reduced morerapidly than by ordinary pumping.

FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A each show a different type of device forcontrolling the shape of a bladder when the bladder inflates (a “shapecontroller”).

FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B and 7B each show a shape controller 401, 501, 601, 701embedded within a wall 403, 503, 603, 703 of a bladder. The wallsurrounds a cavity 405, 505, 605, 705.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the shape controller comprises a paper layer 401with creases (e.g., 407, 409) in it. The creases are more flexible thanthe rest of the paper layer.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape controller comprises a solid material 501with indentations (e.g., 507, 509) engraved in it. The indentations aremore flexible than the rest of the solid material.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shape controller comprises a solid material withsome regions (e.g., 611, 613) that are thicker than other regions (e.g.,615, 617). The thicker regions 611, 613 are stiffer than the otherregions (e.g., 611, 613) of the solid material.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the shape controller comprises multiple components,with some components (e.g., 719, 721) being stiffer than anothercomponent 711. For example, the stiffer components (e.g., 719, 721) maybe stiffer due to having a larger Young's modulus than the othercomponent 711. Or, for example, the stiffer components (e.g., 719, 721)may be stiffer due to being thicker than the other component 711.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F together illustrate how the angle of anotch in the surface of a shape controller can determine the angle ofbending of the bladder, when the bladder is inflated. The anglesubtended by the notch in FIGS. 8A and 8B is smaller (sharper) than theangle subtended by the notch in FIGS. 8D and 8E. When the bladdersinflate, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8F, the bladder with the narrow anglenotch bends at a wider angle than the angle at which the bladder withthe wide angle notch bends.

FIG. 8A shows a shape controller 801 with a narrow angle notch 807 init. FIG. 8B shows this shape controller 801 embedded within a wall 803of a bladder. FIG. 8C shows this bladder in an inflated state.

FIG. 8D shows a shape controller 811 with a wide angle notch 817 in it.FIG. 8E shows this shape controller embedded within a wall 813 of abladder. FIG. 8F shows this bladder in an inflated state.

In FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8E and 8F, the wall 803, 813 of the bladder encloses acavity 805, 815. The cavity contains a fluid (e.g., air).

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D together illustrate how the locations ofcreases in a shape controller can determine where the bladder bends,when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 9A, the creases are located at four positions (e.g., 901, 903)near an end of the shape controller 900. In FIG. 9B, an inflated bladderbends at these four positions.

In FIG. 9C, the creases are located at four other positions (e.g., 951,953) near the center of the shape controller 950. In FIG. 9D, aninflated bladder bends at these four other positions.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D together illustrate how the density (orspatial frequency) of creases in a shape controller can determine wherethe smoothness of curvature a bladder, when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 10A, four creases are located at four positions (e.g., 1001,1003) on a shape controller 1000. In FIG. 10B, an inflated bladder bendsat these four positions.

In FIG. 10C, eight creases (e.g., 1051, 1053) are located at eightpositions on a shape controller 1050. In FIG. 10D, an inflated bladderbends at these eight positions, resulting in a smoother curve than thecurve formed by only four creases.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D together illustrate how the angle ofcreases in a shape controller can determine whether the bladder forms aplanar spiral or a helix, when the bladder is inflated.

In FIG. 11A, creases (e.g., 1103, 1105) are oriented normal to thelongitudinal axis 1107 of the shape controller 1100. In FIG. 11B, thesecreases cause a bladder to form a planar spiral, when the bladder isinflated.

In FIG. 11C, creases (e.g., 1153, 1155) are oriented at an angle,relative to the longitudinal axis 1157 of the shape controller 1150,which is not equal to 90 degrees. In FIG. 11D, these creases cause abladder to form a helix 1161, when the bladder is inflated.

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a light source may beembedded in, may be adjacent to, or may comprise or be included in, ashape controller or a wall of a bladder. For example, a shape controller1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 may include one or more light sources (e.g.,1008, 1009, 1058, 1059, 1108, 1109, 1158, 1159) configured to emit lightand electrical conductors for providing power to the light sources. Forexample, the one or more light sources (e.g., 1008, 1009, 1058, 1059,1108, 1109, 1158, 1159) may comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Forexample, the shape controller 1150 may comprise (a) a creased paperlayer, (b) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and (c) conductive metal wiresor strips for providing power to the LEDs. The creased paper, LEDs andwires or strips may be bonded together.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show views of a bladder. Jammable or inflatable shapecontrollers 1201, 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 are embedded in a wall 1203 ofthe bladder. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view, with the cross-sectionbeing along a plane that is normal to the longitudinal axis of thebladder. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view, with the cross-sectionbeing along a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of thebladder.

FIG. 13 shows a system comprising both (a) a bladder with shapecontrollers 1301, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 embedded in a wall 1303 of thebladder; and (b) apparatus for inflating and deflating the bladder andthe shape controllers. The inflation/deflation apparatus includes one ormore computer processors 1310 for controlling a pump 1311 and a set ofvalves 1313. The pump and valves are used to adjust pressure within (andthus to inflate or deflate) the shape controllers and the main bladder.For example, pump 1311 and valve 1315 can be used to control pressurewithin shape controller 1301.

For example, shape controllers 1301, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 may containa jammable material (e.g., granular particles) that jam when compressed.In that case: (a) the pump and valves can jam and unjam the shapecontrollers by changing pressure of fluid (e.g., air or liquid) insidethe shape controllers. For example, the pump and valves: (a) can createa partial vacuum inside one or more of the shape controllers, causingjammable material to be compressed and thus jammed, or (b) can increasethe internal pressure inside the shape controllers, causing jammablematerial to become less dense and thus unjammed.

Or, for example, shape controllers 1301, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308themselves may be inflatable, and may become relatively rigid,incompressible and inflexible when fully inflated, and may be flexiblewhen not inflated. In that case, as the main bladder (which surroundscavity 1305) inflates, the rigid or flexible state of the inflatableshape controllers may control bending of the main bladder.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C together show how jammable shape controllers cancontrol the shape of a bladder, when the bladder is inflated.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C each show a bladder with jammable shapecontrollers 1401, 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 embedded in a wall 1403 of thebladder. Each of the jammable shape controllers 1401, 1402, 1404, 1406,1408 contain a jammable material that jams (become rigid) whencompressed. For each of these jammable shape controllers, jamming canoccur inside the shape controller as follows: When fluid (e.g., air orgas) is removed from the shape controller through a pressure port, theinternal pressure inside the shape controller drops, causing the shapecontroller to be compressed due to the higher pressure of ambientatmosphere pressing against the shape controller through the elasticwall of the bladder. Due to this compression, the jammable materialbecomes more dense and jams, and the shape controller becomes rigid. Thejamming is reversible. When fluid is moved back into the shapecontroller, increasing the pressure of fluid within the shapecontroller, the shape controller ceases to be compressed, the jammablematerials become less dense and cease to be jammed, and the shapecontroller becomes flexible again. For example, the jammable materialmay comprise a granular material, foam, glass or other complex liquid.

In FIG. 14A, the bladder is not inflated.

In the example shown in FIG. 14B: (a) the bladder is inflated; (b) threeshape controllers 1402, 1404, 1406 are jammed and thus are rigid; (c)two other shape controllers 1401, 1408 are not jammed and thus areflexible; and (d) the inflated main bladder (which surrounds cavity1405) bends where the unjammed, flexible shape controllers 1401, 1408are located.

In the example shown in FIG. 14C: (a) the bladder is inflated; (b) twoshape controllers 1401, 1402 are jammed and thus are rigid; (c) threeother shape controllers 1404, 1406, 1406 are not jammed and thus areflexible; and (d) the inflated main bladder (which surrounds cavity1405) bends where the unjammed, flexible shape controllers 1404, 1406,1406 are located.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C each show a bladder in which a shape controllerincludes a vessel 1504, 1524 filled with an addressableelectrorheological (ER) fluid.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a bladder with two sets of electrodes in theshape controller. In the example shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B: (a) a firstset of electrodes is located in region 1511 of the shape controller, andincludes six electrode pairs, including a pair consisting of electrodes1505, 1507; (b) a second set of electrodes is located in region 1513 ofthe shape controller, and includes six electrode pairs. The electrodesare electrically connected to conductive plates (e.g., 1501, 1503) thatare adjacent to the vessel 1504 filled with ER fluid. The electrodes andconductive plates may be used to apply a voltage (e.g., 1 kV) across theER fluid, causing the ER fluid to stiffen. In FIG. 15A, the bladder isdeflated. In FIG. 15B, the bladder is inflated and theelectrodes/conductive plates in regions 1511, 1513 are applying avoltage across the ER fluid in those regions. This stiffens the vesselin those regions, preventing the bladder from bending in those regions.In other regions 1515, 1517, 1519 of the shape controller, voltage isnot applied across the ER fluid. In these other regions, the ER fluid isnot stiff, and the bladder bends in these regions.

FIG. 15C shows a bladder with four sets of electrodes in four regions ofa shape controller (e.g., region 1521). The bladder is inflated. Anelectric field is applied across the ER fluid in the regions with setsof electrodes, causing the ER fluid in those regions to stiffen and notbend. In other regions (e.g., region 1523) of the shape controller,voltage is not applied across the ER fluid. In these other regions, theER fluid is not stiff, and the bladder bends in these regions.

FIG. 16A shows a shape controller which comprises capacitive sensors(e.g., 1611, 1613) attached to a layer 1601 that has bends or creases(e.g., 1607, 1609) in it. FIG. 16B shows this shape controller, embeddedin a wall 1603 of a bladder.

In FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13, 14A, 14B, 14C, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16A and 16B, anelastic wall (e.g., 1203, 1303, 1403, 1603) of the bladder encloses acavity 1205, 1305, 1405, 1502, 1522, 1605. The cavity contains a fluid(e.g., air or a liquid). A port (e.g., 1207, 1407, 1509) may connect thecavity to apparatus for inflating or deflating the bladder. Via theport, pressure within the cavity may be controlled.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D show a multi-state inflatable surface formed bythree layers 1701, 1703, 1705. The middle layer 1705 has a circular hole1707 in it. FIG. 17A shows an exploded view of three layers 1701, 1703,1705 in the surface. FIG. 17B shows a top view of the surface. FIG. 17Cshows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. The systemincludes one or more computer processors 1715 for controlling one ormore pumps 1713 and one or more valves 1717, in order to controlpressure within a bladder that is located underneath the surface 1711.FIG. 17C shows the surface in a partially inflated state, with one levelof protuberance. FIG. 17D shows the surface in a fully inflated state,with two layers 1721, 1723 of protuberances.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers 1801, 1803, 1805. The middle layer 1805 has a triangularhole 1807 in it. FIG. 18A shows an exploded view of three layers 1801,1803, 1805 in the surface. FIG. 18B shows a top view of the surface.FIG. 18C shows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. Thesystem includes one or more computer processors 1815 for controlling oneor more pumps 1813 and one or more valves 1817, in order to controlpressure within a bladder that is located underneath the surface 1811.FIG. 18C shows the surface in a partially inflated state, with one levelof protuberance. FIG. 18D shows the surface in a fully inflated state,with two layers 1821, 1823 of protuberances.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers 1901, 1903, 1905. The middle layer 1905 has across-shaped hole 1907 in it. FIG. 19A shows an exploded view of threelayers 1901, 1903, 1905 in the surface. FIG. 19B shows a top view of thesurface. FIG. 19C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 1915 forcontrolling one or more pumps 1913 and one or more valves 1917, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 1911. FIG. 19C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 19D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers 1921, 1923 of protuberances.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers 2001, 2003, 2005. The middle layer 2005 has a pattern offour circular holes 2007 in it. FIG. 20A shows an exploded view of threelayers 2001, 2003, 2005 in the surface. FIG. 20B shows a top view of thesurface. FIG. 20C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 2015 forcontrolling one or more pumps 2013 and one or more valves 2017, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 2011. FIG. 20C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 20D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers of protuberances (a first layer with oneprotuberance 2021, and a second level of four protuberances, includingbumps 2023, 2025).

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers 2101, 2103, 2105. The middle layer 2105 has a pattern ofsix triangular holes 2107 in it. FIG. 21A shows an exploded view ofthree layers 2101, 2103, 2105 in the surface. FIG. 21B shows a top viewof the surface. FIG. 21C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 2115 forcontrolling one or more pumps 2113 and one or more valves 2117, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 2111. FIG. 21C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 21D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers of protuberances (a first layer with oneprotuberance 2121, and a second level of protuberances, including bumps2123, 2125, 2127, 2129).

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby three layers 2201, 2203, 2205. The middle layer 2205 has a pattern offour cross-shaped holes 2207 in it. FIG. 22A shows an exploded view ofthree layers 2201, 2203, 2205 in the surface. FIG. 22B shows a top viewof the surface. FIG. 22C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 2215 forcontrolling one or more pumps 2213 and one or more valves 2217, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 2211. FIG. 22C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 22D shows the surface in a fullyinflated state, with two layers of protuberances (a first layer with oneprotuberance 2221, and a second level of four protuberances, includingbumps 2223, 2225, 2227).

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers 2301, 2303, 2304, 2305. A central layer 2304 has a smallcircular hole 2307 in it. Another central layer 2305 has a largecircular hole 2308 in it. FIG. 23A shows an exploded view of four layers2301, 2303, 2304, 2305 in the surface. FIG. 23B shows a top view of thesurface. FIG. 23C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 2315 forcontrolling one or more pumps 2313 and one or more valves 2317, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 2311. FIG. 23C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 23D shows the surface in a more(but not fully) inflated state, with two layers of protuberances (afirst layer with protuberance 2321, and a second level with protuberance2323). FIG. 23E shows the surface in a fully inflated state, with threelevels of protuberances (a first layer with protuberance 2331, a secondlayer with protuberance 2333, and a third layer with protuberance 2335).

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers 2401, 2403, 2404, 2405. A central layer 2404 has a smalltriangular hole 2407 in it. Another central layer 2405 has a largetriangular hole 2408 in it. FIG. 24A shows an exploded view of fourlayers 2401, 2403, 2404, 2405 in the surface. FIG. 24B shows a top viewof the surface. FIG. 24C shows a system for inflating and deflating thesurface. The system includes one or more computer processors 2415 forcontrolling one or more pumps 2413 and one or more valves 2417, in orderto control pressure within a bladder that is located underneath thesurface 2411. FIG. 24C shows the surface in a partially inflated state,with one level of protuberance. FIG. 24D shows the surface in a more(but not fully) inflated state, with two layers of protuberances (afirst layer with protuberance 2421, and a second level with protuberance2423). FIG. 24E shows the surface in a fully inflated state, with threelevels of protuberances (a first layer with protuberance 2431, a secondlayer with protuberance 2433, and a third layer with protuberance 2435).

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers 2501, 2503, 2504, 2505. A central layer 2504 has apattern of small circular holes 2507 in it. Another central layer 2505has a pattern of large circular holes 2508 in it. FIG. 25A shows anexploded view of four layers 2501, 2503, 2504, 2505 in the surface. FIG.25B shows a top view of the surface. Viewed from the top, each smallcircular hole (e.g., 2502) is surrounded by a larger hole (e.g., 2506).FIG. 25C shows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. Thesystem includes one or more computer processors 2515 for controlling oneor more pumps 2513 and one or more valves 2517, in order to controlpressure within a bladder that is located underneath the surface 2511.FIG. 25C shows the surface in a partially inflated state, with one levelof protuberance. FIG. 25D shows the surface in a more (but not fully)inflated state, with two layers of protuberances: a first layer withprotuberance 2521, and a second level with protuberances (e.g., 2523,2525). FIG. 25E shows the surface in a fully inflated state, with threelevels of protuberances: a first layer with protuberance 2531, a secondlayer with protuberances (e.g., 2533, 2535), and a third layer withprotuberances (e.g., 2537, 2539.)

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D show a multi-state inflatable surface formedby four layers 2601, 2603, 2604, 2605. A central layer 2604 has apattern of circular holes 2607 in it. Another central layer 2605 has apattern of triangular holes 2608 in it. FIG. 26A shows an exploded viewof four layers 2601, 2603, 2604, 2605 in the surface. FIG. 26B shows atop view of the surface. Viewed from the top, each triangular hole(e.g., 2606) is surrounded by a circular hole (e.g., 2602). FIG. 26Cshows a system for inflating and deflating the surface. The systemincludes one or more computer processors 2615 for controlling one ormore pumps 2613 and one or more valves 2617, in order to controlpressure within a bladder that is located underneath the surface 2611.FIG. 26C shows the surface in a partially inflated state, with one levelof protuberance. FIG. 26D shows the surface in a more (but not fully)inflated state, with two layers of protuberances: a first layer withprotuberance 2621, and a second level with protuberances (e.g., 2623,2625). FIG. 26E shows the surface in a fully inflated state, with threelevels of protuberances: a first layer with protuberance 2631, a secondlayer with protuberances (e.g., 2633, 2635), and a third layer withprotuberances (e.g., 2637, 2639.)

FIGS. 27, 28A, 28B, 29A, 29B and 29C show examples of an addressable,dynamic shape display.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a shape display, including a displaysurface 2701 and a frame 2703.

FIG. 28A shows a shape display with a set of embedded bladders forcontrolling the shape of a surface 2801 of the display. In the exampleshown in FIG. 28A, the bladders are embedded within an elastic wall2802. The set of bladders include four levels of bladders, whichincrease in size from top to bottom. For example: (a) bladder 2805 is inthe first, uppermost level; (b) bladder 2806 is in the second level; (c)bladder 2807 is in the third level; (d) bladder 2809 is in the fourth(bottom) level, and (e) bladder 2805 is smaller than bladder 2806, whichin turn is smaller than bladder 2807, which in turn is smaller thanbladder 2809.

FIG. 28B shows a shape display with a different set of embedded bladdersfor controlling the shape of a surface 2811 of the display. In theexample shown in FIG. 28A, the bladders are embedded within an elasticwall 2812. The set of bladders include three levels of bladders, whichare all the same size. For example: (a) bladder 2815 is in the first,uppermost level; (b) bladder 2817 is in the second level; (c) bladder2819 is in the third level; (d) bladders 2815, 2817 and 2819 are all thesame size.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, one or more pumps and valvesmay be used to inflate or deflate the embedded bladders. Optionally, oneor more of the embedded bladders may contain a jammable material.

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C show examples of ways in which bladders in adisplay can be controlled.

In FIG. 29A, each bladder is separately controlled. For example: (a) theinflation/deflation state of bladder 2901 is separately controlled viapressure port 2902; and (b) the inflation/deflation state of bladder2903 is separately controlled via pressure port 2904.

In FIG. 29B, a set of three bladders shares a common control. Forexample, the inflation/deflation state of bladders 2913, 2915 and 2917are controlled by a common pressure port 2911.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, a control unit 2900, 2910includes one or more computer processors, pumps and valves to controlpressure in each of the respective pressure ports.

In FIG. 29C, some bladders (e.g., 2933, 2935) are controlled viahorizontal control lines (e.g., 2931), and other bladders (e.g., 2939)are controlled via vertical control lines (e.g., 2937).

Optionally, in the examples shown in FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C, one or moreof the embedded bladders may contain a jammable material.

FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D and 30D show an addressable, dynamic shapedisplay, displaying different shapes. In FIG. 30A, the display surfacehas a shape 3001 that comprises multiple protuberances which vary insize and shape. In FIG. 30B, the display surface has a shape 3003 thatis a smooth curve. In FIG. 30C, the display surface has a shape 3005that is sinusoidal (and thus periodic). In FIG. 30D, the display surfacehas a shape 3007 that includes a gnarly protuberance rising from a flatarea. In FIG. 30E, the display surface has a shape 3009 that is flat3009.

In exemplary implementations of this invention, one or more electronicprocessors are specially adapted: (1) to control the operation ofhardware component, including any pump or valve, including to controlthe inflation or deflation state of any bladder; (2) to performcalculations to calculate pressure; (3) to perform calculations tocalculate an inflation or deflation state; (4) to perform computationsto calculate a shape of a surface, including a shape resulting from theinflation/deflation state of one or more bladders embedded in oradjacent to the surface; (5) to process sensor measurements, includingto determine the position or shape of an object; (6) to receive signalsindicative of human input; (7) to output signals for controllingtransducers for outputting information in human perceivable format; and(8) to process data, perform computations, and control the read/write ofdata to and from memory devices. The one or more processors may belocated in any position or position within or outside of theinflation/deflation apparatus. For example: (a) at least some of the oneor more processors may be housed together with other components of theinflation/deflation apparatus, such as pump or valves; and (b) at leastsome of the one or more processors may be remote from other componentsof the inflation/deflation apparatus. The one or more processors may beconnected to each other or to other components in the system either (a)wirelessly, (b) by wired connection, or (c) by a combination of wiredand wireless connections. For example, one or more electronic processors(e.g., 303, 1310, 1715, 1815, 1915, 2015, 2115, 2215, 2315, 2415, 2515,2615) may be housed in a computer or in a microcontroller unit (MCU).

Definitions

Here are a few definitions and clarifications. As used herein:

The terms “a” and “an”, when modifying a noun, do not imply that onlyone of the noun exists.

“Bladder” means a container that (a) is an article of manufacture and(b) is inflatable. A portion, but not all, of the walls of a bladder maybe rigid. The term “bladder” does not include any human organ or otherpart of a human.

“Defined Term” means a term that is set forth in quotation marks in thisDefinitions section.

The term “comprise” (and grammatical variations thereof) shall beconstrued broadly, as if followed by “without limitation”. If Acomprises B, then A includes B and may include other things.

The term “contain” (and grammatical variations thereof) shall beconstrued broadly, as if followed by “without limitation”. If A containsB, then A contains B and may contain other things. To “contain” does notrequire total enclosure. For example, a bladder can “contain” a fluidwithin a cavity formed by the bladder's walls, even if hole in a bladderwall creates an orifice connecting the cavity and the externalenvironment. Likewise, a “container” does not require total enclosure.For example, a “container” may have a hole in a wall of the container,which creates an orifice connecting a cavity inside the container withthe external environment.

The term “e.g.” means for example.

The fact that an “example” or multiple examples of something are givendoes not imply that they are the only instances of that thing. Anexample (or a group of examples) is merely a non-exhaustive andnon-limiting illustration.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) a phrase thatincludes “a first” thing and “a second” thing does not imply an order ofthe two things (or that there are only two of the things); and (2) sucha phrase is simply a way of identifying the two things, respectively, sothat they each can be referred to later with specificity (e.g., byreferring to “the first” thing and “the second” thing later). Forexample, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, if an equationhas a first term and a second term, then the equation may (or may not)have more than two terms, and the first term may occur before or afterthe second term in the equation. A phrase that includes “a third” thing,a “fourth” thing and so on shall be construed in like manner.

The term “fluid” shall be construed broadly, and includes gases andliquids.

The term “for instance” means for example.

The term “hole” shall be construed broadly and includes any hole,cavity, gap, opening or orifice.

The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” shall be construed broadly. Forexample, “horizontal” and “vertical” may refer to two arbitrarily chosencoordinate axes in a Euclidian two dimensional space.

The term “include” (and grammatical variations thereof) shall beconstrued broadly, as if followed by “without limitation”.

To “inflate” an object means to expand the total external surface areaof the object by elastic deformation due to pressure of a fluidcontained by the object. For example: (a) a balloon “inflates” as itswells and distends as air or water is forced into the balloon; and (b)the pressure that causes inflation can be gaseous pressure or liquidpressure. Similar terms, such as “inflation” and “inflatable”, shall beconstrued in like manner. For example: (a) a balloon is “inflatable”;and (b) a balloon undergoes “inflation” as it swells and distends as airor water is forced into the balloon. Notwithstanding anything herein tothe contrary, an object is not “inflatable,” unless the object's totalexternal surface area can change by at least 5% by elastic deformationdue to pressure of fluid contained by the object.

A “jammable” material is a material that becomes more rigid as itsdensity increases.

The term “or” is inclusive, not exclusive. For example A or B is true ifA is true, or B is true, or both A or B are true. Also, for example, acalculation of A or B means a calculation of A, or a calculation of B,or a calculation of A and B.

A parenthesis is simply to make text easier to read, by indicating agrouping of words. A parenthesis does not mean that the parentheticalmaterial is optional or can be ignored.

As used herein, the term “set” does not include a so-called empty set(i.e., a set with no elements).

A “shape controller” means a device for controlling the shape of abladder when the bladder inflates. A shape controller may comprise asingle integral component, or may comprise a plurality of separatecomponents. A shape controller may consist of a single material withuniform material properties. Or a shape controller may have materialproperties that are non-uniform over the spatial extent of the shapecontroller. For example: (a) a space controller may comprise a strip ofpaper with creases in it; (b) a space controller may comprise a strip ofplastic with notches engraved in it; (c) a space controller may comprisea set of separate, fluid-filled bladders; or (d) a space controller maycomprise a set of fluid-filled bladders and regions of an elastic wallbetween the bladders.

“Stiffness” is an extensive property. “Stiffness” has dimensions thatcan be described as newtons per meter. “Flexibility” is an extensiveproperty, and is the complement of stiffness. Similar terms, such as“stiffer” or “flexible”, shall be construed in like manner. For example,if object A has stiffness X, object B has stiffness Y, and X is greaterthan Y, then: (a) object A is stiffer than object B; and (b) object B ismore flexible than object A.

“Strain” means a dimensionless measure of deformation. Applying stressto an object causes the object to undergo “strain”, the “strain” beingequal to the ratio of (i) displacement between particles in the body and(ii) a reference length.

As used herein, a “subset” of a set consists of less than all of theelements of the set.

The term “such as” means for example.

This Definitions section shall, in all cases, control over and overrideany other definition of the Defined Terms. For example, the definitionsof Defined Terms set forth in this Definitions section override commonusage or any external dictionary. If a given term is explicitly orimplicitly defined in this document, then that definition shall becontrolling, and shall override any definition of the given term arisingfrom any source (e.g., a dictionary or common usage) that is external tothis document. If this document provides clarification regarding themeaning of a particular term, then that clarification shall, to theextent applicable, override any definition of the given term arisingfrom any source (e.g., a dictionary or common usage) that is external tothis document. In each case described in this paragraph, Applicant isacting as Applicant's own lexicographer.

Variations:

This invention may be implemented in many different ways, in addition tothose described above.

Here are some non-limiting examples of how this invention may beimplemented.

This invention may be implemented as an apparatus comprising a bladder,wherein: (a) the bladder includes a wall that at least partiallysurrounds a cavity in the bladder; (b) the bladder further includes ashape controller, which shape controller includes a first set of regionsand a second set of regions; (c) the second set of regions is moreflexible than the first set of regions; and (d) the shape controller isembedded within, or adjacent to, the wall, such that when the bladder isinflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent torespective regions out of the second set of regions. Furthermore: (1)the shape controller may comprise paper and the second set of regionsmay comprise creases in the paper; (2) the second set of regions maycomprise notches or indentations; (3) the first set of regions maycomprise chambers, each of which chambers contains fluid; (4) the firstset of regions may comprise chambers, each of which chambers containsjammable material; (5) the first set of regions may comprise multiplechambers, and each respective chamber, out of the multiple chambers inthe first set of regions, may be configured to contain fluid at one ormore pressures, including at a pressure such that the respectivechambers are less compressible than the second set of regions; (6) thefirst set of regions may comprise a set of inflatable chambers; (7) eachrespective region, out of the second set of regions, may be elongatedand may have an orientation along the length of the respective region;(8) the shape controller may be elongated and may have a firstlongitudinal axis along the length of the shape controller, and theorientations of the second set of regions may be perpendicular to thefirst longitudinal axis; (9) the shape controller may be elongated andmay have a first longitudinal axis along the length of the shapecontroller, such that the orientations of the second set of regions arenot perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; (10) the wall maycomprise an elastomer; (11) the cavity may contain air; (12) theapparatus may further comprise one or more pumps, one or more valves,and one or more computer processors for controlling the pumps and valvesto control pressure of fluid in the cavity; and (13) the bladder mayinclude one or more light emitting components.

This invention may be implemented as an apparatus comprising a bladder,wherein: (a) the bladder includes a wall that at least partiallysurrounds a cavity in the bladder; (b) the bladder further includes ashape controller, which shape controller includes a first set of regionsand a second set of regions; (c) the first set of regions have a firstrange of magnitudes of flexural strength, and the second set of regionshave a second range of magnitudes of flexural strength, which first andsecond ranges do not overlap, each magnitude in the first range beinggreater than each magnitude in the second range; and (d) the shapecontroller is embedded within, or adjacent to, the wall, such that whenthe bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areasadjacent to respective regions out of the second set of regions.

This invention may be implemented as apparatus comprising a bladder,wherein: (a) the bladder contains fluid and includes a surface; (b) thesurface comprises a first set of regions and a second set of regions;(c) in the second set of regions, the surface comprises a first layerand a second layer; (d) in the first set of regions, the surfacecomprises the first layer, but does not include the second layer; (e)the first layer has a first stiffness and the second layer has a secondstiffness, the magnitude of the second stiffness being greater than themagnitude of the first stiffness; and (f) the surface is configured suchthat, during inflation of the bladder due to pressure of the fluid, thesecond set of regions undergo less strain than the first set of regions.The surface may further comprise a third set of regions, such that: (1)in the third set of regions, the surface comprises the first layer, thesecond layer and a third layer; (2) in the first and second set ofregions, the surface does not include the third layer; (3) the thirdlayer has a third stiffness, the magnitude of the third stiffness beinggreater than the magnitude of the second stiffness; and (4) the surfaceis configured such that, during the inflation, the third set of regionsundergo less strain than the second set of regions. Also: (i) the fluidmay comprise air; (ii) the fluid may comprise a liquid; and (iii) theapparatus may further comprise one or more pumps, one or more valves,and one or more computer processors for controlling the pumps and valvesto control the pressure of the fluid.

CONCLUSION

While exemplary implementations are disclosed, many otherimplementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and areall within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodimentsdescribed above may be combined with other described embodiments inorder to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoingdescribes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and methodof the present invention, what has been described herein is merelyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutionsby one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention. Numerous modifications may bemade by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising a bladder, a first set ofchambers, a second set of chambers, jammable material, a pump andvalves, wherein: (a) the bladder at least partially surrounds a cavity;(b) the first and second sets of chambers are embedded in a wall of thebladder; (c) the jammable material is located in the first and secondsets of chambers; (d) the pump and the valves are configured to adjusthow much fluid is inside the first set of chambers, including by movingfluid out of the first set of chambers sufficiently such that the firstset of chambers becomes more rigid than the second set of chambers; and(e) the bladder is configured such that, when the first set of chambersis more rigid than the second set of chambers and the bladder isinflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas selected fromthe second set of chambers.